A sliding opening and closing radar antenna cover

Abstract

The application discloses a sliding opening and closing type radar antenna cover, which comprises a framework, an antenna cover assembly and a sealing device, and a sealing groove is arranged on the framework; the sealing device comprises a steel sheet, a first vertical sealing strip, a horizontal sealing strip, a spring group and a second vertical sealing strip; the steel sheet comprises a main plane and two side planes located on both sides of the main plane; the first vertical sealing strip is located on the upper surface of the main plane, and the horizontal sealing strip is located on the two side planes; the upper end of the spring group is installed on the lower bottom surface of the steel sheet, and the lower end of the spring group is installed on the sealing groove bottom of the framework; the second vertical sealing strip is fixed on the antenna cover assembly, and the second vertical sealing strip is staggered with the first vertical sealing strip and embedded between the two first vertical sealing strips. The sliding opening and closing type radar antenna cover realizes the functions of forward maintenance and sealing of the radar antenna cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of radar radomes, and more specifically to a radar radome based on a sliding opening and closing mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] As a protective layer for radar antennas, radar radomes play an important role in radar antenna systems. Currently, enclosed radar radomes suffer from problems such as complex maintenance operations, long cycles, and high costs. Openable radar radomes can significantly improve the efficiency of radar equipment inspection and maintenance, and have the advantages of simple structural design and fast opening and closing speed, achieving the effect of forward maintenance.

[0003] Sliding opening and closing structures are currently widely used in roofs and other structures. They consist of a sliding frame, a drive mechanism, and sliding steel plates, allowing the steel plates to slide back and forth relative to the frame under the drive. However, due to friction or gaps between the sliding steel plates and the sliding frame, the sealing and sliding performance of sliding structures are often mutually exclusive. This patent aims to invent a novel sliding structure with an adjustable gap between the sliding steel plates and the frame. When sealing is required, the sliding steel plates are tightly fitted to the frame; when sliding is required, the sliding steel plates are relatively separated from the frame, generating no friction between them, thus achieving the sliding opening and closing function. Based on this novel sliding structure, a radar radome is invented. The sliding function of the sliding structure enables forward maintenance of the radar antenna, while the sealing function protects the internal components of the radar radome. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a sliding open and close radar radome that simultaneously satisfies the functions of opening and closing and sealing.

[0005] To solve the above problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A sliding radome includes a frame, a radome assembly, and a sealing device. The radome assembly can slide within the frame. The sealing device seals the gap between the frame and the radome assembly, and a sealing groove is provided on the frame. The sealing device includes a steel sheet, a first vertical sealing strip, a horizontal sealing strip, a spring assembly, and a second vertical sealing strip. The steel sheet, the first vertical sealing strip, the horizontal sealing strip, and the spring assembly are disposed within the sealing groove. The steel sheet includes a main plane and two side surfaces located on both sides of the main plane. The first vertical sealing strip is located on the upper surface of the main plane, and the horizontal sealing strip is located on the two side surfaces. The upper end of the spring assembly is mounted on the lower bottom surface of the steel sheet, and the lower end of the spring assembly is mounted on the bottom of the sealing groove of the frame. The second vertical sealing strip is fixed to the radome assembly, and the second vertical sealing strip is offset from the first vertical sealing strip and embedded between the two first vertical sealing strips.

[0006] To address the issue that sliding opening and closing structures cannot simultaneously satisfy both opening and closing and sealing functions, and to meet the requirements of both opening and closing and sealing functions of radar radomes, this invention differs from traditional sliding opening and closing structures where the vertical distance between the sliding steel sheet and the frame remains constant. Instead, it adopts a sliding opening and closing structure where the vertical distance can be adjusted.

[0007] The main factor causing friction between the sliding steel sheet and the frame is the friction between the sealing strip of the sealing device and other parts of the structure. The sealing strips are respectively set on the slide rail and the sliding steel sheet, and the upper and lower sealing strips interlock to achieve the sealing function. Therefore, firstly, a groove is set on the frame for the sealing strip installed on the frame to move. Then, the distance between the sealing strip and other structures is set to be adjustable. When sealing is needed, the sealing strip is released from the groove, and the upper and lower sealing strips interlock to achieve the sealing function. When sliding opening and closing is needed, the sealing strip is retracted into the groove, so that the upper and lower sealing strips no longer contact each other, thereby eliminating most of the friction between the sliding steel sheet and the frame.

[0008] To facilitate the movement of the sealing strips mounted on the frame, the sealing strips are installed on a steel plate of equal length. This steel plate simultaneously moves all the sealing strips mounted on the frame in and out of the groove. The movement of the steel plate is controlled by springs and a locking device. Multiple support springs connect the lower side of the steel plate to the bottom of the groove. These springs are always compressed, providing a constant driving force to push the steel plate outwards from the groove, causing the sealing strips on the steel plate to engage with those on the frame. Operating handles are located at both ends of the steel plate, allowing the operator to manually control its raising and lowering. Pressing the handles downwards lowers the steel plate and the connected sealing strips, increasing the spring compression. Releasing the handles lifts the steel plate back to its original position under the spring force, decreasing the spring compression. A locking device is installed on the outer wall of the groove. When the operating handle is pressed downwards, the steel plate descends below the locking device, which then pops out above the steel plate, preventing it from moving upwards and thus securing the steel plate and its sealing strips inside the groove, facilitating the sliding of the steel plate. When the latch is retracted manually, the steel plate can move upward without obstruction, and then rise smoothly under the elastic force of the spring.

[0009] The sealing device needs to be installed on the four sides of the frame to achieve a complete seal on all four sides of the radar radome.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: A sliding-opening radar radome is disclosed. This sealing method ensures a tight seal when the radome is closed and opens with a gap to reduce sliding friction. Firstly, a novel sliding-opening structure is proposed. This structure uses interlocking upper and lower sealing strips for sealing. The upper sealing strip is fixed, while the lower sealing strip is fixed to a reciprocating steel plate. When sealing is needed, the steel plate moves the lower sealing strip upwards, engaging with the upper sealing strip to achieve a seal. When sliding is needed, the steel plate moves the lower sealing strip downwards, removing it from contact with the upper sealing strip, thus reducing friction during opening and closing and enabling the sliding function. Based on this novel sliding-opening device, a sliding-opening radar radome is invented. This radome, employing the aforementioned novel sliding-opening structure, enables forward maintenance and sealing functions for the radar radome. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing device (skeleton part) of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation position of the sealing device of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a comparison diagram of the radome's open and closed states in this invention; Figure 4 This is a diagram of the antenna radome assembly of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the antenna radome frame of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing device of the present invention (sealed state); Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing device of the present invention (sliding state); Figure 8 This is a skeleton diagram of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the skeleton of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the skeleton of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the buckle of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the installation position of the buckle device of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the planar position of the latching device and the frame; Figure 14 for Figure 13 Enlarged schematic diagram of part A. Detailed Implementation

[0012] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sliding open and close radar radome of the present invention (radome in open state). The sliding open and close radar radome of the present invention includes a frame 1, a radome assembly 2 that can slide within the frame, and a sealing device 3.

[0014] Figure 2 The radome is in the closed state. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional schematic diagram.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of skeleton 1. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A screenshot of a frame is shown. The frame 1 is a rectangular frame structure, with a sealing groove 11, a component groove 12, and a hole 13. The bottom cross-section of the frame groove 11 is arc-shaped, which can eliminate the friction between the sealing strip and the inside of the groove during sliding. The hole 13 is the installation position of the snap-fit ​​device, with a rectangular cross-section, extending from the outer surface to the inner surface of the frame, and the internal space allows the snap-fit ​​device to pass through.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the radome assembly 2 of the present invention. The radome assembly 2 is quadrilateral. The radome assembly 2 includes an radome frame 21 and a radar radome body 22.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna frame 21 of the present invention. The plane of the antenna frame 21 is a rectangular ring, and the cross-sectional shape is as follows. Figure 7 As shown. Figure 7 In the middle, the cross section is symmetrical about the horizontal and vertical axes. The antenna frame 21 is provided with an external groove 211 for installing the vertical sealing strip and an internal groove 212 for installing the radar antenna frame 21. The external groove 211 is symmetrically distributed on the upper and lower parts of the antenna frame 21, and the internal groove 212 is used to support the radar antenna frame 22.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing device 3 of the present invention. The sealing device 3 includes a steel sheet 31, a first vertical sealing strip 32, a horizontal sealing strip 33, a spring assembly 34, and a second vertical sealing strip 35. The sealing strip can move vertically back and forth with the steel sheet, thereby achieving the functions of sealing and opening.

[0019] In one embodiment, the steel sheet 31 has a C-shaped cross-section. There are three first vertical sealing strips 32, each with an isosceles trapezoidal cross-section. The longer ends are attached to the upper surface of the steel sheet 31 via adhesive / mechanical connection, allowing them to move with the steel sheet 31. Their function is to seal the vertical gap between the radome assembly 2 and the frame 1. Two horizontal sealing strips 33 have the same cross-sectional shape as the first vertical sealing strips 32 and are used to seal the horizontal gap between the frame 1 and the steel sheet 31. A spring assembly 34 is installed with its upper end on the lower surface of the steel sheet 31 and its lower end on the bottom of the groove in the frame, arranged in 3 rows of 10 sections, providing upward elasticity for the steel sheet 31. A second vertical sealing strip 35 is fixed within the external groove 211. (See [reference]). Figure 5 The cross-sectional shape of the second vertical sealing strip 35 is exactly the same as that of the first vertical sealing strip 32 and the horizontal sealing strip 33. Its long bottom is fixed to the bottom of the outer groove 211, and it is fixed in the long and short sides of the outer groove 211 according to the symmetry, with two strips on each side, for a total of eight strips.

[0020] Figure 9 The schematic diagram of the sealing device 3 of this invention (sealed state) shows that the spring assembly 34 is in a compressed state, pushing the steel sheet 31 to move horizontally to the right. At this time, the short bottom of the first vertical sealing strip 32 contacts the bottom of the external groove 211, and the second vertical sealing strip 35 contacts the right side of the steel sheet 31. Thus, the first vertical sealing strip 32 and the second vertical sealing strip 35 interlock, sealing the vertical gap between the frame 1 and the radome frame 21. The horizontal sealing strip 33 contacts the groove inside the frame, sealing the horizontal gap between the frame and the sealing device (frame part). (Note: The two-to-three interlocking form of the sealing strips in this specification is only an example, that is, 3 first vertical sealing strips 32 and 2 second vertical sealing strips 35 interlock; the actual form represents an n+1-to-n interlocking form, that is, n sealing strips can be pasted on the steel sheet 31 according to the actual size of the steel sheet, while n+1 sealing strips need to be pasted on the external groove 211.) Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing device 3 of the present invention (sliding state). At this time, the compression of the spring assembly 34 under the action of external force is compared to... Figure 9 The seal is increased so that the first vertical sealing strip 32 no longer contacts the external groove 211, and the second vertical sealing strip 35 no longer contacts the right side of the steel sheet 31, thus releasing the seal. At this time, there is no contact between the sealing device 3 and the radome assembly 2, allowing for frictionless movement of the radome assembly 2.

[0021] The sealing device 3 of the sliding opening and closing device of the present invention adopts an opening and closing design that can move up and down reciprocally. When the antenna cover needs to be opened for maintenance, the sealing strips separate up and down and no longer interlock, thereby eliminating the friction between the sealing strips and greatly reducing the frictional resistance of the sliding opening and closing. When it is in the working state and sealing is required, the sealing strips move up and down to the interlocking state, thereby achieving the sealing effect.

[0022] The sealing device 3 adopts a sealing method where the upper and lower sides interlock. The upper second vertical sealing strip is fixed, while the lower first vertical sealing strip and horizontal sealing strip are fixed to the upper side of a steel plate. The steel plate can move up and down, causing the lower first vertical sealing strip and horizontal sealing strip to move up and down together. The lower side of the steel plate is connected to the upper end of a vertical spring assembly, the lower end of which is fixed inside a groove in the sliding frame. The spring assembly is perpendicular to the steel plate and arranged in a linear array. When in a sealed state, the spring is compressed, and under the action of elastic force, it pushes the steel plate and the sealing strips on it upwards, achieving the purpose of interlocking the upper and lower sealing strips and thus sealing. When it is necessary to open the antenna cover and slide, the steel plate is pressed down manually, and a latching device prevents the steel plate from moving upwards under the action of spring force. At this time, the spring compression increases, the upper and lower sealing strips separate, and they no longer interlock, thus eliminating the friction between the upper and lower sealing strips and achieving the purpose of sliding opening and closing.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the buckling device 4. The buckling device is used to control the lifting and lowering of the steel sheet 31. It is installed inside the hole 13 and is mostly obscured, so the dotted line in this figure represents the obscured part. The buckling device 4 includes a triangular buckle 41, a rotating shaft 42, and a pull rod 43. The triangular buckle 41 can rotate freely around the rotating shaft 42.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the latching device 4; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the planar positions of the buckling device 4 and the frame 1. Figure 14 for Figure 13 Enlarged schematic diagram of part A.

[0025] The pivot 42 is inserted into the inner opening of the hole 13. When an external force is applied, the steel piece 31 moves downward, sliding from top to bottom across the inner side of the buckle. After sliding to the lower part of the triangular locking block 41, the triangular locking block 41 returns to its initial state under the elastic force of the rear spring 44. At this time, the triangular locking block 41 will hinder the upward movement of the steel piece 31, thus fixing the steel piece 31. When the pull rod 43 is pulled, the triangular locking block 41 rotates around the pivot 42. At this time, the bottom of the locking block no longer hinders the upward movement of the steel piece 31, thereby releasing the steel piece 31.

[0026] The function of the locking device 4 is to automatically prevent the steel sheet from moving upward under the elastic force of the spring assembly after it has been pressed down to a certain extent. The locking device is installed in the locking channel of the frame. A rotating shaft is inserted into the channel, and a triangular locking block can rotate around the rotating shaft. Behind the locking block is a spring and an operating handle extending outward along the locking channel. When the steel sheet is pressed down and contacts the locking block, the locking block rotates around the rotating shaft and retracts into the locking channel, not obstructing the passage of the steel sheet. When the steel sheet moves below the locking block, the locking block pops out under the action of the spring, and the lower side of the locking block prevents the steel sheet from moving upward. When the steel sheet needs to move upward again, the locking block is pulled back into the locking channel by the operating handle, thus no longer obstructing the movement of the steel sheet, and the steel sheet pops out smoothly.

Claims

1. A sliding openable radar radome, comprising a frame, a radome assembly, and a sealing device, wherein the radome assembly is slidable within the frame, and the sealing device is used to seal the gap between the frame and the radome assembly, characterized in that: A sealing groove is provided on the frame; the sealing device includes a steel sheet, a first vertical sealing strip, a horizontal sealing strip, a spring assembly, and a second vertical sealing strip, wherein the steel sheet, the first vertical sealing strip, the horizontal sealing strip, and the spring assembly are disposed within the sealing groove; the steel sheet includes a main plane and two side surfaces located on both sides of the main plane; the first vertical sealing strip is located on the upper surface of the main plane, and the horizontal sealing strip is located on the two side surfaces; the upper end of the spring assembly is mounted on the lower bottom surface of the steel sheet, and the lower end of the spring assembly is mounted on the bottom of the sealing groove of the frame; the second vertical sealing strip is fixed on the radome assembly, and the second vertical sealing strip and the first vertical sealing strip are staggered in position and form an n+1 to n interlocking form, wherein n+1 is the number of first vertical sealing strips, and n is the number of second vertical sealing strips; The radome assembly includes a radome frame and a radar radome body; the plane of the radome frame is a rectangular ring, and the radome frame is provided with an external groove for installing a vertical sealing strip and an internal groove for installing the radar radome. The external groove is symmetrically distributed on the upper and lower parts of the radome frame, and the internal groove is used to hold the radar radome body; the second vertical sealing strip is fixed in the external groove.

2. The sliding openable radar radome according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame is also provided with component grooves and holes; the radome assembly is slidably disposed in the component grooves; and a buckling device for controlling the lifting and lowering of the steel sheet is provided in the holes.

3. The sliding openable radar radome according to claim 2, characterized in that, The latching device includes a triangular latch, a rotating shaft, a pull rod, and a rear spring. The rotating shaft is inserted into the inner opening of the hole. The triangular latch can rotate freely around the rotating shaft. The rear spring is connected to the triangular latch and provides elastic force to reset the triangular latch to its initial state.

4. The sliding openable radar radome according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steel sheet has a C-shaped cross-section.

5. The sliding openable radar radome according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first vertical sealing strip has an isosceles trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, and the second vertical sealing strip has the same cross-sectional shape as the first vertical sealing strip.

6. The sliding openable radar radome according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first vertical sealing strip and the horizontal sealing strip are connected to the upper surface of the steel sheet by adhesive / mechanical connection.

7. The sliding openable radar radome according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom cross-sectional shape of the skeleton groove is arc-shaped.

8. The sliding openable radar radome according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first vertical sealing strip consists of three pieces.

Images